Braided Hairstyles for Brides
Braiding is a traditional hair decoration in many cultures. As wedding beauty often pays tribute to tradition and formality, it makes sense to consider braiding for a bridal hairstyle. Allowing you to put long hair up without teasing or curling it, braiding has uses in contemporary hairstyling as well as being ideal for a period bridal look. Does this Spark an idea?
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Celtic Braiding
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Fine Celtic braids are an example of traditional European hair braiding. Just a few braids can adorn a bun but Celtic hairstyles may also look ceremonial, with many braids clipped into sculptural up-dos. Celtic braids are ideal for period-style weddings, especially those with medieval touches, or for a rustic look. Several fine braids, crossed over an up-do or bun go well with simple, traditional dresses and are a favorite with Irish weddings. Celtic braids look delicately ornate and can be threaded with sprays of fresh lavender in traditional Irish style.
African American
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Use braids as the basis for a stunning up-do. Braids last perfectly in African American hair, even over the course of a long wedding day, so you can consider many different styles. Traditional cornrows sit flat against the scalp; cornrow the front of your hair to keep it smooth, before attaching a veil to the crown.
Micro braids are made from tiny strands of hair. Fixing a whole head of these takes a long time, but they look stunning. Smooth and sleek, micro braids are an alternative to chemical straightening, for creating long styles that hang and have natural movement.
Twists are made from two strands of hair, rather than three, and offer a contemporary braided look. Being softer in structure, you can curl twists with heated tongs. Fix tonged twists up in a Spanish-style hair-do with the sides and front clipped up and the back tumbling down in waves.
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Contemporary
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For a striking contemporary look, try a simple braid pulled down to one side and secured with a pretty clip or fresh flower spray. Singular braids like this focus on shiny hair color and dress up a simple outfit, making them ideal for modern non-teen brides. One simple braid as the focus does not have to involve all your hair. Braiding the front of the hairline, and fixing this to the side to form a hair-band, allows the rest of your hair to tumble naturally but keeps the front tidy and formal.
French Braid
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French braids involve scooping hair in to each new section. A French braid involves scooping new hair into each section, building a structured braid that sits close to the head. A classic French braid, from front to back, gives the hair enough structure to secure a veil, and makes for a less conservative alternative to a teased crown section. Tuck the ends of a French braid under to form the shape of a 1920s flat chignon-bob, or sweep the braid to one side and secure it with flowers.
Decoration
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Decorate braids by weaving in fine ribbon or wild flowers, echoing the rustic traditions of this hairstyle. Dot tiny flowers over a braided up-do instead of pearls or crystals. For summer weddings, secure singular braids with a large exotic flower. For an alternative look, plait in flashes of bright color from a dyed hair-piece. Gold mesh or fine gold spray is ideal for an opulent period look. A fancy hairband worn across the head turns your braided up-do into a 1920s period style, ideal for an evening wedding.
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